According to the Western seasonal zodiac, Time Lord Saturn is about to leave forward-thinking, risk-taking, hopeful Sagittarius, and move into its sombre and statuesque home sign of Capricorn, on the 20th of Dec. Stately Saturn’s passage is only one day before the North’s Winter Solstice, when the Sun will also follow Saturn into the Zodiac’s 10th sign of great accomplishment: the Capricorn Sea Goat.

Crossing thresholds and opening portals into the chamber of the New Light King, Saturn and Capricorn represent the celestial initiation from yin to yang, dark to light – unconscious to consciousness (as well as the other way around – especially if materially bound). With beautiful cosmic timing, Saturn’s 2017’s ingress into his own sign also assists the Solstice Sun renewing the radiant Golden light at the Cardinal Earth turning point.

Of all the planets in celestial pantheon, and signs of the Zodiac, Saturn and Capricorn respectively highlight wisdom and judgement, as well as fear and doubt, achievement and expertise. Variously called the Medium Coli or mid-heaven, their associated 10th zodiacal House is the ‘career point’, the summit of our profession – as well as the parental axis in psychological astrology. Both sign Capricorn, and planet, Saturn, also reveal those parts of our horoscope which require discipline and sustained concerted effort. When presenting others our skills to the outside world, we need to be practiced and familiar with whatever we work upon, in order to be recognised and talent to shine at this zenith point of the horoscope. To overcome any said Saturn-Capricorn dread and trepidation, one also learns it is necessary to become proficient at releasing any knots in the heart(mind) which constrict the ability to love. Remember: only love conquers fear.

Beware a dour Saturn in Capricorn that tends towards pessimism and a limited, rigid world view – a characteristic made extraordinarily ironic if we contemplate Saturn’s imposing but constantly moving rings (which 19th century theosophists claimed held Akashic records); the funky hexagram at the poles, accenting phenomena in creative flow; also that Capricorn is the mythical half-goat, half fish instils a magical sense of wonder even Walt Disney would be proud of, with his own natal Saturn in Capricorn (conjunct Mars and Jupiter). Perhaps it is overcoming such anomalies, physical verses the spiritual that can make something real and durable by bringing together the feminine Elements, stabilising Earth and nourishing Water, of which empirical Saturn in Capricorn is the concretising symbol for the pinnacle of accomplishment.

Past Markers of Time Together the ringed planet Saturn and Capricorn’s voice of authority define boundaries and structure, form and containment. Saturn in the horoscope represents all that holds us together, ruling bones, skin, walls, framework, frontiers, governments and judges. Capricorn’s sombre majesty is reflected in the skilled architect who builds monuments to glory.

Saturn in Capricorn’s markers can also be barriers and blocks, insecurities internal or external, i.e. physical, psychological, or spiritual, but always karmic. Lines drawn or placed by self or others as a means of law, order and control are not always a bad thing, e.g. teaching a child to use breaks on a pedal bike. A Saturn in Capricorn knows when we cross lines, with others and from our moral own standpoint. One needs to be aware, however, restrictive authoritarian behaviour may not always have one’s best interests at heart.

The last time Saturn traversed into and through its own domain of Capricorn was 1988-91 (beginning Dec ’88). Almost 30 years ago, the last visitation was an interesting transit, in as much as some walls and structures taskmaster Saturn is inclined to erect – especially when feeling the fear and under threat – actually tumbled down, particularly when Saturn encountered watery, dissolving Neptune AND dramatically changing Uranus in a very rare 172-year conjunction of all three planets in Capricorn 1990-91. Think Berlin Wall. And also after concerted international outcry, South Africa’s Nelson Mandela was finally released after 27 years of prison (almost a Saturn cycle of incarceration) addressing freedom from the severity of apartheid, exactly when Saturn opposed Mandela’s natal Cancer Sun (FYI: Mandela’s natal Saturn conjunct Mercury AND Neptune in regal Leo: the man was a Prince).

This time of Saturn in Capricorn also resonated deeply within Nelson Mandela, as reflected in his speech when he became President of South Africa (in ’94, when TSaturn opposed his natal Saturn), and when he read this poem by Marianne Williamson

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” Also back in ’89, philosopher Joseph Campbell’s vision as an image of ‘Earth’ as a symbol for uniting humanity as ‘One’ began to materialise. For the ordinary person Earth certainly shrank when black IBM computer screens flashing luminescent alien-green digital font translated dial-up fax-machine messages; and for the first time in history a small business had access to the same level of computing power as an international bank or large country. Saturn in Capricorn certainly generates a time for professionalism in enterprise. On the other hand, Saturn in Capricorn is also capable of being incredibly heartless. In 1989, we also witnessed Saturn’s heavy means of governance with China’s Tiananmen Square, as well as war in the Middle-East; and the stashing of ‘elite’ trillions offshore began in earnest.

Saturn is titled ‘Lord of Time’ and ‘Lord of Karma’ for a reason, and the karmic impact of events that take place during his home passage can last for decades – or longer. Early ’89, for example, one of the then biggest oil spills oozed from Exxon Valdez in a once pristine Alaska, destroying the ecosphere (and we now wonder why cetaceans are suiciding (who can be over 400 years old!)).At that time, as mentioned previously, Saturn conjunct oceanic Neptune, planet assigned to oil and gas. The latter tragedy a reality check that helps comprehend how time-honoured Saturn in Capricorn, symbols of judicious acumen, even in the home sign of powerful initiation, sometimes goes through gruelling circumstance in order to reveal what we really need to achieve and work on. Ultimately, Saturn in Capricorn’s task is to cultivate and honour our spiritual connection to our all-important Mother Earth. Without whom we would not have a home to live on. Respect for our environment our greatest collective responsibility.

Though we continue to ignore our innate connection to the natural world at our peril, in as much as the more pollution there is in our environment, the more toxic we ourselves become. Thus making it more difficult to be true to our inherent nature, which is clear and light, intuitive AND rational. The greater imperative is to therefore find balance in the area of Saturn’s exaltation – Libra – and the planet which esoterically rules Capricorn, Venus (which rules Libra); i.e. one needs to dedicate oneself to learn how to be fair and just, to come from the heart with loving kindness, with a regard to being released from Saturn’s often cold and cruel clutches. The paradox is how callousness (often in the name of capital or profit) piles on the negative karma that stops Saturn evolving into the characteristic wisdom. All of which can be found with planets in Capricorn, associated with Saturn, or in the 10th house.

Time Lord’s Future Transits

Saturn sextile Neptune & Saturn conjunct Pluto (dates below)

We have however, come a long way since December ‘88, when Saturn was also conjunct the Sun at the home-ruled Capricorn ingress. Note 2017’s move of Saturn into Capricorn also features a strong Neptune aspect in the ingress chart: Neptune Trine Jupiter, imparting hope and faith (especially as the Sun at the time of Saturn’s ingress is still officially in Sagittarius). About half way through its extended, almost three-year journey through Capricorn, in January 2019, Saturn forms a (closing) sextile to Neptune (within Saturn and Neptune’s 36 year cycle) when old and outworn Saturnian structures again dissolve (timing indicated by the degrees listed below). And although Saturn briefly dips into Aquarius (which it also traditionally rules) for three months in 2020, it isn’t until another Solstice, December 19th 2020 that Saturn finally leaves Capricorn, to unite with Jupiter for an exciting, futuristic adventure in Aquarius.

Before then however, authoritative Saturn conjoins with potent Pluto at 21°Capricorn, January 12th 2020, for only one exact conjunction. Although the weightiness of this transit may feel like Saturn and Pluto are together for much longer – most of 2019 and a lot of 2020, but the actual perfection only happens once; which leads me to believe that when it does, whatever happens around that time, it could well be critical shock and awe that affects nearly everyone – save the poised and practiced yogis – just as it did when Gemini Saturn exactly opposed Pluto in Sagittarius, revealing dark forces at work as New York’s Twin (Gemini) towers in NY were attacked and destroyed.

Not that I want to incite nervous panic, but it’s time to face up to the past, for it is in this present moment that we prepare for the future, aware that nothing lasts forever, not even Saturn’s steely structures as traditional pillars of support. It’s likely that all kinds of established structures will, if they aren’t already, undergo a massive transformation, particularly due to Pluto’s combined current transit through Capricorn. This transit of Saturn in Capricorn – especially conjunct the Lord of the Underworld, Pluto, may indeed provide evidence that karma and impermanence are only a natural part of the cycle of life that something is born, grows, peaks and sustains, then declines to pass away.

Those born in 1982 may especially feel like they are into a new cycle, as the Saturn Pluto cycle is approximately 31-38 years, 1982 was the last time these two influential and commanding planets unified (in Libra).

From a worldly perspective, Capricorn is the leading Cardinal Earth sign of action and accountability, governments and policing, corporate organization and gleaming empires of brands and logos. When Saturn and Capricorn are driven by tyranny or a hunger for power is tested to the max, with issues of corruption and cronyism, secrecy and trust, being the impediments which also prevent the glory sought.

But while we talk of naked material ambition and social climbing, we must never forget that Capricorn is the mythical beast, a Sea-Goat, elevated above the pounding waves of life, death and rebirth, steady in its stance as guardian of the soul’s secrets. Ultimately Capricorn is the hard-working pragmatic and principled disciple who humbly kneels as a gesture of devotion, whilst being initiated into a hierarchy – spiritual or material. Much depends upon individual’s karma and ambitions as to how such commitment is expressed. As noted, both Saturn and Capricorn can be hard and ruthless, selfish and proud. But our choice is whether we are to overcome and clear the obstacles with Saturn’s practicality and patience – or allow the weight to suppress creativity. From the spiritual aspirants’ point of view, Capricorn also slowly reveals the light of spirit and the hidden secrets of the soul, and the initiating renewal that lends itself to Capricorn and Saturn as markers for the returning light (within).

So while Saturn may be cautious in high achieving Capricorn, best mark these next years, especially early 2020 as THE year of consolidation and giving form whatever you are working on; and if you can’t – for whatever reason, hindrance and hurdles are a Saturn in Capricorn speciality, then it may be time to start again. Look to where Capricorn lies in your personal horoscope to see where you can harness your own discipline and organisational abilities, to see what you can achieve there – as well as what you might need to be more responsible for. Also check key future dates and degrees at the bottom of the article.

The Future is Now 2017 Present Markers of Time

Saturn and the Sun now are together for the ingress into Capricorn it got me thinking: is Saturn always with the Solstice Sun to dignify its entry into its home sign? For my own amusement I went through every single entry of Saturn into Capricorn since 1488 (giving thanks for the ability to now compute such things with the touch a button, well several buttons, but doing so makes this astrologer happy ). I figured 500+ years should be enough time to verify if the ingress of Saturn’s move into Capricorn is always around Winter Solstice. And, would you believe, it is! It is true Saturn is often with the Sun at the Winter Solstice ingress (AND, interestingly, Saturn, at the end of a retrograde, often goes forward around time the Sun is in Libra, at Autumn Equinox, Saturn’s sign of exaltation)

Although Time Lord Kronos at home Capricorn hasn’t always been as exact as it is coinciding with the upcoming Solstice at 0° Capricorn, it is usually somewhere between 27 Sagittarius or 5 Capricorn (i.e. within 10 degrees of the Galactic Centre and the all-important Sunlight-turning Solstice point). Also fascinating is in many old prints of the old man Kronos-Saturn archetype holds the ouroborus, the snake that eats its own tail. Interesting how the home sign rule for Saturn is very literal! This definitely puts a new spin into Great Time Wheel, and the meaning of ‘Saturnalia’ which always begins December 17th.

Time-honoured ancients, who held timed and sacred ceremony within the stone circles, knew of this connection of Saturn and the renewal of the Sun King, which is why a wise old Saturnian man (the Senex in psychological parlance) is often seen holding the Ouroborus, the serpent eating his own tail represents life, rebirth, immortality and wisdom. Saturn’s connection to 2017’s ingress therefore enables one to renew one’s own internal light, as the inner Sun is renewed we too carry within our eternal personal ‘Ouroboros’, and a symbolic understanding of the celestial wheels within wheels, and how light, life and rebirth are held together in the heavenly gift of the Solar cycle of time, through the yearly zodiac, as well diurnal, night and day.

2017’s ‘Time Lord’s’ entrance into Capricorn also coincides with the sensitive Moon conjunct profound Pluto, insinuating how the collective is aware of the need for a transformation of mind, body and soul. All-the-while Saturn is with Black Moon Lilith indicating women who feel abandoned by the patriarchy are also the very people to work with, in order to create balance through recognition, which Saturn in Capricorn so desires.

Saturn in Capricorn’s ingress also takes place just after a New Moon conjunct the Galactic Centre, accenting a new collective phase aiming towards the heart of our Galaxy. Solstice also reignites our personal responsibility to kindle the light within, and to tend the light over the next few years will require dedication and devotion. Two points of fortune in our favour: 1) Mercury, planet of the mind is at retrograde station to go direct during the ‘Solar Standstill’. Tuning his Mercurial antenna towards the radio signal source in space, accenting thoughts have wings the heavenly messenger – as planet of the mind – aims his Sagittarian centaur’s arrow towards a place in the heavenly firmament known as ‘The Great Attractor’. We’d do well to heed the words of Buddha: ‘What we think we become’… And 2) according to the Asian calendar, in 2018 we leave behind the blustery ‘Fire’ elemental years, and begin two ‘Earth’ element years in a row. First the yang Earth Dog, vigilant and loyal, followed by the Yin Earth Boar, that provides peace – and sense.

The portents now, however, are to conserve and concentrate resources. The Sun with Saturn is a clarion call to be sensibly heroic, to fashion and shape all kinds of creations by working steadily with our individual egos, with all our desires and aversions in a practical manner. We may even impress ourselves (and others) by entwining the Capricorn’s skilful means with Saturn’s wisdom and generate something of personal importance, a ‘Golden Age’ in only a few short years.

❂~❈~❂~❈~❂~❈~❂~❈~❂~❈~❂~❂~❈~❂~❈~❂

Saturn in Capricorn – Aries

Take responsibility seriously: grow up, be brave, aim high, and be the hero you always wanted to be.

Saturn in Capricorn – Taurus

Play cards close to your chest, but keep an open mind.Rewards are found exploring philosophical values.

Saturn in Capricorn – Gemini

Shared ventures might seem like hard work, but others can also be deliciously entertaining.

Saturn in Capricorn – Cancer

The next two years are a chance to overcome any fear of commitment, in love and at work.

Saturn in Capricorn – Leo

Transform body and soul and be the best you can with a healthy regime: eat well, sleep well and be well.

Saturn in Capricorn – Virgo

Creativity requires artistic talent, craft and skill, all of which you could have in spades.

Saturn in Capricorn – Libra

A father figure could benefit from forgiveness. Support from the home-front could transform your life.

I leave you at this poignant ‘Great Yin-Yang’ turning point in our collective history with a poem from Milarepa, the 12th Century Himalayan Yogi Saint, who was interconnected to the nature all around him, with Earth as his place of soul’s containment.

Agent Dakini- Laura Boomer-Trent

Cosmic*Intelligence*Agency

Agent Dakini: Laura Boomer-Trent has an arts background, with an earlier career in film and television. An astrologer for over 30 years, since studying at His Holiness, the Dalai Lama’s ‘Tibetan Medical & Astro Science Institute’ in India (mid-90’s), Laura integrates ancient Eastern healing arts: Tibetan, Chinese and Indian – astrology, yoga and tantra- with western astrology and modern quantum meta-physics.

Thanks for the comprehensive article agent Dakini, i especially appreciate the looking into the Saturn and Sun Solstice ingressing together and info like the Joesph Campbell’s vision. Much appreCIAted for the time to write all this

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The Cosmic Intelligence Agency (C*I*A) is a network of astrologers and other cosmically minded individuals who aim to further understand and advance CONSCIOUSNESS* INTENTION*ASTROLOGY. We share a vision of the world soul, raising consciousness to the Anima Mundi, the universal energies and archetypal patterns that can be observed in the ceaseless cyclic movements of the cosmos. For millennia, humans have engaged with the cosmic sphere to seek meaning, guidance and inspiration. We continue this relationship to the cosmos as our focus and our Agency’s role in the evolution of consciousness.